Kettle Creek Source Protection Plan updated

Updates to the plan that protects the sources of municipal drinking water in the Kettle Creek watershed were approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on June 24, 2024.

This update, which came into effect on August 12, 2024, is the first comprehensive revision to the Kettle Creek Source Protection Plan since it was first approved in 2014.

“It is important to do regular, comprehensive updates to ensure the plan is up-to-date and reflects the latest science and changes on the landscape,” says Shari Dahmer, Source Protection Program Manager.

The update includes new and amended mapping, updated groundwater and surface water quality information, removal of a commercial fertilizer threat and associated vulnerable area from the Elgin Area Water Supply System (EAWSS), and additional climate change considerations. Revised policies now align with the 2021 Technical Rules for identifying significant drinking water threats and new threat policies have been added for liquid hydrocarbon pipelines.  

Background

The plan and its associated documents are available online at www.sourcewater.ca. The Kettle Creek Source Protection Plan was first approved in September 2014 and came into effect January 1, 2015.

The source protection planning process began in 2006 following the Walkerton Inquiry, when the Ontario government passed the Clean Water Act to protect the sources of municipal drinking water throughout the province. The process is based on technical studies, collaborative policy development and extensive public consultation.

The process to update the plan was guided by the Lake Erie Region Source Protection Committee, which is made up of representatives from municipalities, business, industry, farmers, landowners and other stakeholders. The committee is also responsible for updating plans for the Catfish Creek, Long Point Region, and Grand River watersheds.

Implementation of the plan policies is primarily a responsibility of municipalities and provincial ministries. Source protection plans are local, science-based plans designed to protect the water quality and quantity of the lakes, rivers and sources of underground water that supply municipal drinking water systems. The plans set out actions to eliminate, manage or reduce potential risks to drinking water sources.

Policies in the Source Protection Plans include a variety of approaches to manage and prevent risks to municipal drinking water. These approaches include education and outreach, the development of risk management plans, land use planning and monitoring. The policies are designed to ensure sufficient supplies and keep contaminants out of rivers, lakes and groundwater aquifers that are sources of municipal drinking water.

The source protection planning process is directed and funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks in conjunction with municipalities. Local conservation authorities provide technical, communications and administrative support for the source protection planning process.

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Further information:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Shari Dahmer, Source Protection Program Manager, Lake Erie Source Protection Region
Phone 519-621-2763 x2303 |  Email sdahmer@grandriver.ca